Whaley's promotion will be the first minority hiring for a general manager or head coach position this offseason. Previously, 15 coaching and GM jobs went to non-minorities, a trend NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said was "not acceptable." The league has taken steps to improve its minority hirings, including the recent reinstatement of a networking seminar for minority candidates.

"I've made this decision to step away from the general manager's position because I feel it is the right time," Nix said Monday when he resigned. "By the 'right time,' I mean, I think we have a good young roster, an excellent head coach with a good staff, and it's time to let someone else handle these responsibilities and move forward together."

Whaley spent 12 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Bills in 2010. He also served time in the Seattle Seahawks' scouting department.

The Bills gave Whaley an undisclosed contract extension in February, but made it clear Nix would remain in control. Nix, 73, resigned this week to take a less-taxing position as an advisor, and the Bills did not immediately name a successor, though it was evident Whaley would get the job.

"I am happy that we have secured Doug's services into the future," Nix said in a statement in February when Whaley was extended, "and look forward to a smooth transition of the position when the time comes."